Transfer Talk: Daejeon Citizen

Daejeon Citizen add four by swooping for a former Korean international defender, two goalkeepers and a Brazilian forward.

With arguably the K League Challenge signing of the winter transfer window, Daejeon have sealed the acquisition of former Korea international defender Kim Jin-Kyu, with the ex-FC Seoul man joining from J2 League outfit Fagiano Okayama.
The 42 international cap-winning Kim Jin-Kyu's move to Daejeon ends a two year spell away from his native Korea having spent spent 2015 in Thailand with Pattaya United and 2016 in the J League with the aforementioned Fagiano Okayama.

Daejeon have a relatively young squad and the experience of Kim Jin-Kyu will be a welcome addition to the dressing room and indeed at the heart of Citizen's defense.

The Purples have been somewhat busy in the transfer market during the winter, despite a slow start, with new gaffer Lee Young-Ik keen to secure promotion at the earliest opportunity.

Last week saw the official unveiling of several new faces at Purple Arena and this week has been no different.

It was announced earlier this week that 25 year old Brazilian-born striker Pedro Henrique joined from Sepahan of the Persian Gulf Pro League where he spent part of 2016 after joining from Thai side Air Force Central.

Pedro representing Timor Leste U23. Credit: Wikipedia

The Sao Paulo born forward has played for four teams in his native Brazil before departing for the Middle East and South East Asia in what has been somewhat of a journeyman career but at over six feet tall (183cm) and with a large frame, his stature could cause problems for Challenge defenses.

Pedro Henrique, who holds dual nationality having represented the Timor Leste under 23 side, could qualify as Daejeon's other Asian foreigner spot, allowing one further non-Asian foreigner spot to be filled.

This would leave the door open for Jean-Claude Bozga to return but at this late stage, with Daejeon already on their pre-season training camp in Tongyong, would be extremely unlikely.

With Lee Beom-Soo departing for Gyeongnam, Kim Ki-Cheol being released, Park Ju-Won starting his military service, and Oh Seung-Hoon still serving his, Daejeon needed to strengthen their goalkeeper department.

On Tuesday the Purples announced a double goalkeeper swoop which saw Lee Young-Chang and Kim Ki-Yong signed from Chungju Hummel and Busan I respectively.

Daejeon's latest custodians. Credit: DCFC.co.kr

Lee Young-Chang, 24, made 27 appearances with the club he began his professional career with, but due to Chungju's withdrawal from the K League, Lee was left looking for a new club.

His fellow custodian Kim Ki-Yong, 26, joins from south coast outfit Busan I Park where he had spent all of his professional career.

Kim was largely used as back up having only made a handful of appearances for the Busan since his debut season in 2013 and is expected to undertake a similar role at Purple Arena, acting as an understudy to Kim Hyun-Soo and Lee Young-Chang.

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